SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

I have been getting Social Security disability benefits for many years. I'm about to hit my full retirement age. What will happen to my disability benefits?

When you reach "full retirement age," we will switch you from disability to retirement benefits. But you won't even notice the change because your benefit amount will stay the same. It's just that when you reach retirement age, we consider you to be a "retiree" and not a disability beneficiary. To learn more, visit the website socialsecurity.gov.

I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to determine if I'm still eligible?

How often we review your medical condition depends on how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology:

* Medical improvement expected - If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your first review will be six to 18 months after you started getting disability benefits.

* Medical improvement possible - If improvement in your medical condition is possible, your case will be reviewed about every three years.

* Medical improvement not expected-If your medical condition is unlikely to improve, your case will be reviewed about once every five to seven years.

For more information, visit socialsecurity. gov.

Is there a time limit on how long you can get Social Security disability benefits?

No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. We will periodically review your case to determine if you continue to be eligible. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach your full retirement age, your disability benefits will automatically be converted to retirement benefits. The amount you receive will remain the same. Learn more about disability benefits at socialsecurity.gov/disability.

How do I report a change of address if I'm getting Supplemental Security Income?

A person receiving SSI must report any change of address by calling our toll-free number, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), or by visiting a local office within 10 days after the month the change occurs. You cannot complete a change of address online. You should report your new address to Social Security so you can continue to get mail from Social Security when necessary, even if you get your benefits electronically by direct deposit or Direct Express. Learn more about SSI at socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

What do I need to report to Social Security if I get Supplemental Security Income payments?

You need to report any changes that may affect your payment amount. This includes changes in your income or resources. You must report changes of address, changes in your living arrangements, and changes in your earned and unearned income. To learn more about SSI, visit the website socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

How can I become a representative payee? If you know someone who receives Social

Security or Supplemental Security Income and who needs assistance managing their payments, contact your local Social Security office about becoming their representative payee. Go to socialsecurity.gov/payee for more information.

If I retire at age 62, will I be eligible for Medicare?

No. Medicare starts when you reach 65. If you retire at 62, you may be able to continue medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from a private insurance company until you become eligible for Medicare. For more information see our publication, Medicare, at socialsecurity.gov/pubs, or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).

How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security's records?

To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records:

Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html; and provide documents proving your new or revised citizenship status (we can only accept certain documents as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents); age; and identity. Next, take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

I plan to retire this spring. How soon can I file for my Social Security benefits?

You can file four months before you plan to receive benefits. Go ahead and apply now if you plan to retire when winter's frost finally lets up. To apply, go to socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. Applying online has never been easier-you can do it from the comfort of your home. All you need is 15 minutes and Internet access.

Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to Vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.